The NSW Waratahs suffered a heavy 12-57 defeat to the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby Pacific Round 7 match at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Friday.
The New Zealand side ran in nine tries to the NSW Waratahs’ two tries.
The night was further marred for the NSW Waratahs by Max Jorgensen going off with an apparent syndesmosis injury that will require scans in Sydney.
Winger Darby Lancaster and flyhalf Lawson Creighton also suffered head knocks.
Lancaster passed his HIA and returned to the field in the second half, while Creighton is hopeful of being available for next week’s match.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said his side was outmuscled in the physical contest, pointing to breakdown turnovers and set-piece struggles.
“The game’s won and lost around the physical collision, and the Hurricanes dominated that area,” McKellar said post-match.
“We turned the ball over too much, both at the breakdown and in our set-piece, and when a team like the Hurricanes gets on a roll, they make you pay.
“They’ve got a lot of talent. They showed that tonight. It’s a harsh lesson for us.”
McKellar reflected on the team’s response to key moments, particularly just before halftime when the Hurricanes piled on points to take a good lead.
“We didn’t want them to go back-to-back with tries just before halftime, but they did,” he said.
“Even then, we thought the scoreline didn’t reflect the contest. When we scored just after halftime to get back to 24-12, we had a chance to build momentum.
“But then we didn’t handle the yellow card [of captain and centre Joey Walton and penalty try] well, and it became an uphill battle.”
Regarding injuries, McKellar confirmed concerns about Jorgensen’s ankle and highlighted the growing list of bumps and bruises within the squad.
“Max looks like he’s done a syndesmosis injury, so we’ll need to get that scanned,” McKellar said.
“It’s unfortunate, but injuries provide opportunities for others. We’re starting to pick up a few, which is always a challenge.”
Despite the disappointing scoreline, McKellar was quick to move on from the loss and look ahead to a crucial eight-day turnaround before their next fixture.
“As a coach and as players, sometimes you have nights like this,” he said.
“You lick your wounds and move on. We’ll head straight back to Sydney, train at our own facility, and get back around the boys who weren’t here.
“That’s the best way to reset and prepare for next week.”
The NSW Waratahs had a promising start, scoring in the third minute through Creighton, who converted his try to give them an early 7-0 lead.
But the Hurricanes soon found their rhythm, with winger Kini Naholo crossing twice in the first 20 minutes, supported by tries from hooker Asafo Aumua, scrumhalf Cam Roigard, and winger Ngantungane Punivai.
Flyhalf Riley Hohepa’s two conversions gave them a 24-7 lead going into the break.
The visitors answered early after the break. Winger Archie Saunders, on debut for the NSW Waratahs, scored in the 43rd minute to cut the deficit to 24-12.
But a yellow card to captain and inside centre Joey Walton in the 51st minute proved costly, with the Hurricanes jagging a penalty try for seven more points.
Then came tries from centres Ngatungane Punivai and Bailyn Sullivan, reserves Brad Shields and Kade Banks and Naholo for his third for the night.
Love’s conversion of Naholo's last try near full-time capped off the home side’s 57-12 victory.
The NSW Waratahs will now regroup in Sydney ahead of their next match, with the coaching staff assessing injuries and reinforcing areas to work on.
Despite the setback, McKellar remained optimistic, emphasising the importance of learning from such experiences.
“It’s about how we respond,” McKellar said.
“This group is working hard, and we’ll get back to it next week.”
At Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
Tries: Kini Naholo (3), Asafo Aumua, Cam Roigard, Penalty try, Ngatungane Punivai, Brad Shields, Bailyn Sullivan
Conversions: Riley Hohepa (4), Ruben Love
Tries: Lawson Creighton, Archie Saunders
Conversions: Lawson Creighton
